Government Officials Involved in Online Gambling Must Face Justice
MANILA, Philippines — Government officials involved in the proliferation of online gambling in the Philippines must be thoroughly investigated and held accountable, local leaders emphasized. This call to action highlights the urgent need to protect Filipino interests from the harmful effects of online gambling.
Senator Raffy Tulfo stressed in a press conference that public servants should prioritize the welfare of the people over personal or business interests linked to online gambling. “That has to be investigated. Who are these politicians or government officials involved in online gambling? File a case before the Ombudsman. File charges before the Sandiganbayan. Find out who these people are,” Tulfo said.
He added, “Regardless if it’s legal. Politicians should serve the people. It’s not good to look at if they are serving the people and yet their business affects the people.” Tulfo urged authorities to take swift action against those implicated in such activities.
New Bill to Ban Online Gambling
Joining fellow senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Risa Hontiveros, Tulfo plans to file a bill that aims for a complete ban on all forms of online gambling nationwide. Although the exact filing date remains unconfirmed, the senator expressed his intention to submit it within the week.
“It’s too much. Something has to be done, that’s why I am filing a bill that would seek a total stop. It doesn’t have to be regulated or strictly regulated — for me no, it has to stop. When are we going to stop? If our country falls? We have to step on the break now,” Tulfo emphasized.
The proposed legislation would also target online gambling operations accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Tulfo raised concerns about the growing number of children and youth addicted to online games, some as young as nine or ten years old, who neglect their studies and even resort to stealing money to gamble.
“Now here comes online gambling which affects adults and the children. What’s scary is that children and students as young as 10 and nine years old get addicted to scatter. They neglect their studies and sleep. They steal money from their parents to scatter. What’s this? What type of country do we have right now?” he lamented.
Economic Impact and Presidential Attention
Experts estimate the government could lose around ₱140 billion if online gambling is fully banned. However, Tulfo remains confident that the country has other revenue sources to compensate for this loss.
The presidential palace confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been monitoring the addiction problem among Filipinos linked to online gambling. Ahead of the President’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Tulfo expressed hope that this issue would be addressed publicly.
“I wish that the President includes our problem on online gambling in his Sona,” he said. He clarified that he was not commanding but merely hoping the matter receives attention. “I hope he doesn’t get fooled, meaning that he won’t be given wrong information. Because our President is only relying on information given to him by his advisors. I hope those that he trusts tell him the truth about how big our problem is in terms of online gambling,” Tulfo added.
For more news and updates on online gambling in the Philippines, visit Filipinokami.com.
